Background
Covington was born in Clovis, California, and moved with his family to Springfield, Oregon at the age of 11.
Covington was born in Clovis, California, and moved with his family to Springfield, Oregon at the age of 11.
After high school he attended Iowa Central Community College where he was a standout wrestler.
Covington is currently signed with the UFC.
"Office-the-mat" personal issues forced Covington to relocate back to Oregon where he enrolled at Oregon State University. He went on to earn All-American honors in 2011 placing 5th at the National Collegiate Athletic Association tournament and winning the Pac-10 championship twice in his weight class. Covington began training in mixed martial arts in 2006 and competed in a couple of amateur fights while also competing as an amateur wrestler before enrolling in college.
He made his professional debut in 2012 competing in regional promotions primarily in South Florida where he had moved had begun training with American Top Team.
He was able to compile a record of 5-0 before signing with the UFC in the summer of 2014. Ultimate Fighting Championship
Covington made his promotional debut against Wang Anying on August 23, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 48.
Covington faced Wagner Silva on November 8, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 56. Once again, Covington dominated his opponent, winning the fight via submission in the third round.
Covington faced Mike Pyle on May 23, 2015 at UFC 187, replacing an injured Sean Spencer.
Covington faced Warlley Alves on December 12, 2015 at UFC 194. He lost the fight via a guillotine choke submission in the first round.